The Friends of Lake Sonoma is a cadre of volunteers that supports the interpretive and educational programs managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Sonoma. Due to federal budget shortfalls, we also provide funding to help maintain the park and keep key facilities -- including the Milt Brandt Visitors Center -- open to public access. We welcome your help -- financially through monetary and in-kind donations or through your service as a park volunteer!
The Ranch at Lake Sonoma is one of the top recommendations on Trip Advisor. Seeing Lake Sonoma on horseback is just fantastic. The views are splendid and the experience is first-class. Be sure to bring your camera. This is an opportunity to see the park like you've never seen it before! Check out the details at theranchatlakesonoma.com or just click here to be redirected to the ranch's website. NOTE: The Ranch at Lake Sonoma is up and running after the wildfires. All roads to Lake Sonoma are open.
We regret that COVID-19 and the impact of the Walbridge Wildfire will force cancellation of the 2021 Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival. We're focusing on 2022 and a return to healthier times. Please do your part to help stop the spread of the virus.
Lake Sonoma, which was closed under County of Sonoma order due to Covid-19 restrictions, is gradually reopening. The Milt Brandt Visitor Center parking lot is open for boat inspections, but the Visitor Center is still closed, as are Yorty Creek, recreation areas (outdoor gym, disc golf course, dog run) the Overlook and Liberty Glen Campground. Have a face mask with you at all times and observe all social distancing requirements. Keep all of us healthy and safe. UPDATE: The park has reopened after the Walbridge Fire. Please stay out of burned areas for your own safety.
Pig hunting season at Lake Sonoma will open November 9, 2020. Due to Covid-19 County Health restrictions, we have temporarily closed registration at the Milt Brandt Visitor Center and via email. Click here for more information regarding required permits and fees. All proceeds go to the Friends of Lake Sonoma to support the lake and its educational programs.
Brad Sherwood, chairman
Rick Herbert, vice chairman
Joe Brandt, treasurer
John Granatir, secretary
Directors: Dora Azevedo, Nikki Baxes, Harry Bosworth, Jayson Collard, Donna Meier, Marshall Turbeville, Kasey Wade, Jim Wilmes and Burrell Wyle.
Directors Emeritus: Gordon Amrein, Linda Clapp, Paul Finn, Dave Harmeson, Tony Pettis, Phil Pinto, Arnold Santucci, Ken Screechfield, Richard Thomas
The Friends of Lake Sonoma is recognized as a non-profit cooperative association under section 501 (c) 3 of the United State Internal Revenue Service tax code. Our tax identification number is 94-2260679. We operate on a fiscal year from January 1 to December 31. Monetary and in-kind donations to the Friends of Lake Sonoma are considered to be tax deductible, unless limited by law.
The Friends of Lake Sonoma relies on strong partnerships with key govenmental agencies and businesses, including:
United States Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco District
Sonoma Water
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Sonoma County Tourism
Back Country Horsemen of California -- North Bay Chapter
Sonoma County Bowmen
United Flyers of Sonoma County
Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley